Autumn Cannibalism (1936) Poem by John Weber

Autumn Cannibalism (1936)

Rating: 5.0


Heads propped aloft by the
crutch of dogmatic belief,
savoring each other,
feasting upon flesh-
          knife and fork,
          delicate spoon.

          Each course far from
          complete, they gorge through
          eroded faces, evidence of
          features strewn to rot in the
          panic of the fading sun.

          Hugging like chums until
          folded into one writhing
          mass, they remain dexterous
          enough to balance an apple:
          proof of perilous symmetry.

          In the distance, the white
          mission weeps under the
weight of the impending torrent.
Even the mercy of the mountains
can't protect from the ruin of man.

Inspired by Salvador Dali (1904-1989)
http: //dali.urvas.lt/forviewing/pic09.jpg

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Rachel Butler 06 November 2009

'Even the mercy of the mountains' Rachel Ann Butler

0 0 Reply
Patrick McFarland 19 September 2009

Surrealistic poetry at it's best. This is a tremendously good read John.

0 0 Reply
Patti Masterman 18 September 2009

I like to write poems to music; and here you are writing them to paintings. You do have a non wasteful style where you use the most succinct words and use them extremely well. Dali has always intimidated me; I am such a literal person that trying to understand what he was saying was like being admitted to my own nightmare or something. Still he fascinates, and this poem certainly does too.

0 0 Reply
Alison Cassidy 09 April 2009

After reading this incredible poem, I felt compelled to visit the picture that inspired it. Though had you not quoted the 'source' of your inspiration, the poem would have stood its on its own feet magnificently. The painting needs time to savor and revisit - as does your poem, a feast in itself. Rather than 'copy catting' Dali's brilliance, you offer your own and more. In particular, I enjoyed your 'delicate spoon' and 'dexterous enough to balance an apple: ' You use words with great skill and without clutter. I look forward to reading more of your work. Love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

0 0 Reply
Ahmad Shiddiqi 09 April 2009

very interesting and full of surrealistic words! I love Dali too.

0 0 Reply
READ THIS POEM IN OTHER LANGUAGES
John Weber

John Weber

Milwaukee, WI
Close
Error Success